Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
The season of celebrations upon us with events across Miami bringing together civic leaders, generous donors and volunteers who are making a positive impact on our community.
On September 5, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami hosted its Tropical Extravaganza: Benefit Dinner at the Rusty Pelican in Key Biscayne, launching the organization’s inaugural Miriam’s Mentees Program. Co-chaired by Norma Jean Abraham, Jill Daley, and Sharon McIvor, the unforgettable evening featured a tropical-themed celebration with dinner, dancing (even before the pre-dinner reception), an exciting raffle drawing, and live entertainment by saxophonist Jorge Perez and singer Steve Fatal. On hand to welcome guests was Big Brothers Big Sisters COO Rebekah Lanae Lengel and Director Gale Nelson. Guests enjoyed not only the festivities but also the inspiration of a program designed to continue the legacy of mentorship and empowerment. Among the many guests were the Honorable Bronwyn Miller, the Honorable Migna Sanchez-Llorens, and the honorable Norma Lindsey; Carol Suroweic; Meme Ferre; Isabel Cancela; Miriam Almer; Shirlee Fernandez; Kathleen Monahan; Raquel Watters; Mei Yu; Anna Figueroa; and Rita Fernandez.
Labor Day weekend brought thousands of visitors to Miami for the Orange Blossom Classic, which packed the holiday with football and fanfare. The weekend lineup included the FIU–Bethune Cookman game on Friday, followed by the luncheon with lots of VIPs and Saturday’s marquee matchup between Florida A&M University and Howard University. While Howard edged out FAMU in a tight game, the legendary FAMU Band stole the halftime spotlight. This year’s game was especially meaningful, marking a nod to history, as these same two teams faced each other in the first Orange Bowl Classic back in 1933. The OBC’s Executive Director, Kendra Bulluck, recently joined me on Gloria’s Gab LIVE to share the OBC’s remarkable history.
In other news, celebrations continued September 6 at the Coral Gables Bar Association’s Installation Gala at the Loews Hotel, which drew a sold-out crowd. Guests enjoyed a lively reception with live music before the installation ceremony, officiated by Florida Supreme Court Justice John D. Couriel. The 2025–26 officers sworn in were: President Daniel C. Fors; President-Elect, Elina Magaly Santana; Treasurer, Vanessa Michaud; and Secretary, Ian Illych-Martinez.
And now, here are some upcoming events to mark on your calendars:
● Sept. 25–28 – GFWC Florida Fall Board, Rosen Plaza Hotel, Orlando.
● October 2 – Beeliver Havana Nights, The Biltmore Hotel, 6:30–9 p.m., $150 pp. RSVP @bee.liver or 305-310-3585.
● October 4 – “Hope Under the Stars Gala,” Trump National Resort, benefitting Out of Foster Foundation & Citrus Family Care Network.
● October 4 – Actors Playhouse Gala honoring Dr. Lawrence Stein and Barbara Stein. www.actorsplayhouse.org.
● October 8 – CGWC “Ballads for a Bath” Karaoke Night fundraiser to build a usable bathroom for the Ivan Jones School in Roatan, Honduras, 6:30 p.m. at Birdie Bistro, $40 donation includes 4 songs and one drink.
● October 11 – 5th Annual Domestic Violence Awareness Walk, Betty T. Ferguson Recreational Complex, Miami Gardens.
● October 11 – 7:30 p.m., Friends of the Miami-Dade Public Library annual Late at the Library: The Beyond Books Benefit fundraiser at Coral Gables Branch Library.
● October 18 – The Women Voice Network fundraising event, 2-5 p.m. to support Domestic Violence Awareness Month – Location TBA.
● October 25– 13th Annual A Wonderland in Safe Haven Gala 7 p.m., Intercontinental Hotel Miami, www.asafehavenfornewborns.com.
● October 25 – Chapman Partnership Gala, JW Marriott.
● October 28 – The Women Voice Network fundraiser 2-5 p.m. location TBA.
● October 31– Voices for Children Annual Luncheon, Loews Coral Gables (Hero costumes encouraged) For info www.beavoice.org.
● October 31- Coral Gables Woman’s Club Halloween Party, Birdie Bistro GFWCcoralgableswomansclub.org.
● November 7 – AFP National Philanthropy Day Luncheon, Jungle Island.
● November 8 – The Miami Woman’s Club 135th Anniversary Gala.
● November 14– GFWC FL District 11 Meeting.
In closing, remember to count your blessings, share a kind word and a smile, and make a difference!
ABOUT US:
For more Miami community news, look no further than Miami Community Newspapers. This Miami online group of newspapers covers a variety of topics about the local community and beyond. Miami’s Community Newspapers offers daily news, online resources, podcasts and other multimedia content to keep readers informed. With topics ranging from local news to community events, Miami’s Community Newspapers is the ideal source for staying up to date with the latest news and happenings in the area.
This family-owned media company publishes more than a dozen neighborhood publications, magazines, special sections on their websites, newsletters, as well as distributing them in print throughout Miami Dade County from Aventura, Sunny Isles Beach, Miami Beach, Coral Gables, Brickell, Coconut Grove, Pinecrest, South Miami, Kendall, Palmetto Bay, Cutler Bay and Homestead. Each online publication and print editions provide comprehensive coverage of local news, events, business updates, lifestyle features, and local initiatives within its respective community.
Additionally, the newspaper has exclusive Miami community podcasts, providing listeners with an in-depth look into Miami’s culture. Whether you’re looking for local Miami news, or podcasts, Miami’s Community Newspapers has you covered. For more information, be sure to check out: https://communitynewspapers.com.
If you have any questions, feel free to email Michael@communitynewspapers.com or Grant@communitynewspapers.com.